Why is R22 so expensive?

Published on August 10, 2017

If you’re finding that servicing your air conditioning equipment is costing you a little more, you could view your current system. More than 25 years ago, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a plan to slowly reduce the creation of R22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, ending with zero production by 2020. The ban was put into place due to the harm that R22, which is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) chemical, was causing damage on the ozone layer.

Around 2010, manufacturers of air conditioning systems stopped making units that employ R22. If your air conditioner was made after 2010, you shouldn’t have any challenges. If you think your system was created prior to 2010, McKinley Heating Service Experts can help you determine if it employs R22 refrigerant to cool the air. If it does, we can help you with a handful of recommendations so you can think of questions to identify alternative choices.

What does this mean for you?

R22 has become gradually more expensive due to the decreased production and continued demand. While production is minimal and will be phased out in the next few years, homeowners in Edmonton ought to still have access to reclaimed or recycled refrigerant. However, the price will continue to go up as availability is reduced.

The higher price of R22 isn’t going to fade, so it’s probably time to take a look at alternative possibilities to keep your costs down. We can also chat about whether it could be time to consider a newer unit that not only uses R410A, a more environmentally friendly solution for refrigerants, but also has additional features for increased energy savings and features.

If you have concerns or questions about how R22 effects you, the team at McKinley Heating Service Experts will happily chat with you about your choices and how to proceed through the transition. Give us a call at 780-800-7092 or request an appointment via our convenient online scheduler.

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